Local plans must continue to meet obligations to nature

BACK in July, Gedling Borough Council launched a consultation on ‘Issues and Options’ linked to the drafting of a new local plan that will shape planning decisions up to 2043.

- By ERIN MCDAID

The consultation highlights potential development sites and outlines key policies to guide future development.

Having previously worked with Nottingham City, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe councils on the Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan, Gedling decided to go it alone following changes in national planning guidance that reflected the Government's drive to dramatically ramp up the level of housebuilding across the country.

The consultation will distil the views of residents, businesses and other organisations as to where development should take place and the best approach to growth.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust will be taking part, and we would encourage anyone living or working in Gedling to do so.

However, having helped shape Local Plans across the county for decades, the latest consultation feels somewhat undermined by the Government’s drive to remove and weaken a raft of wildlife protections via its Planning and Infrastructure Bill (PIB).

We've worked to ensure key sites are protected and have supported Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) with specialist ecological advice, local knowledge and training for planning officers to help councils meet obligations under wildlife law and nature-focussed planning guidance.